Tag Archives: Real Estate

For any individual, buying property is a big investment, even if it for the nth time. There are certain precautions that need to be exercised before choosing the property to invest in. Here are a few pointers for you to look out when you buy property.

1. Checking for approvals

Unless a builder obtains all the necessary approvals, it can lead to delay in property development and may even force the developer to terminate the project which would be a big loss to a buyer. You should also look into the land ownership deed on which the property is being developed. To verify the land ownership status, you should check the letter of allotment in case it was purchased from a public agency.

2. Written Agreements

Do not settle for anything less than a written agreement with a builder. The agreement must bear the specifications of the flat and the associated conditions and terms including delivery time, payment plans and penalty required to be paid in case of default of either party. Hidden costs shall also be taken care of.
Check the occupancy certificate in case you are purchasing a flat in a completed residential community along with fire safety mechanism and equipment, electricity connections, property tax receipts and water supply. In particular, checking the occupation certificate is imperative because it certifies that the building is suited for living and complete. Not only has it gotten all approvals needed but has adhered to building bylaws and norms.

3. Bank Loan

Most buyers rely on bank loans when buying real estate. Borrowers usually put up the apartment being constructed as collateral when taking out a house loan and banks thoroughly check the builder’s credentials apart from other aspects. They do so to ensure that the collateral’s market value does not reduce. There are quite a few projects which are approved by financing institutions like NBFCs and banks. You should approach those banks for loans with which the project partners collaborate.

4. Reputation of the Builder

The developer’s financial soundness must be verified as it shall indicate his ability to complete the construction in the absence of external borrowings. A developer must have a track record which is traceable as it will act has a reference point for under construction projects and new launches. The projects delivered by builders and time needed for each delivery must be considered. It is also essential to know about the involvement of the developer in legal feuds for making judicious purchasing decision.

Most home buyers belong to the service class and hence spending beyond a budget is not possible for them. Most Indian cities have high property rates in their central business districts which is why buyers looking for affordable properties have to move out to the peripheries. The budget required to buy an affordable property differs from city to city. For example, in Delhi and Mumbai, even to buy properties in the periphery, buyers have to set aside more than Rs 1 crore while in cities such as Chennai and Kolkata, setting aside Rs 30 to Rs 40 lakhs is more than enough for buying affordable properties. The cost of living of a city is a big determinant in the budget needed to buy affordable property.

Since you are on a budget, you have to make the best of your resources. Here are the top tips for buying affordable property in India.

1. Opt for flats which have good connectivity
Connectivity is one of the biggest determinants when it comes to buying flats. Opt for an area which has good connectivity in the form of roads or metro railway. Even if the metro station is not operational as of now, you can opt for an area which has a metro station coming up. Since affordable properties are towards the outskirts of the city, you need to pick areas which are well connected to the central business and commercial areas as it would reduce time spent commuting between two places.

2. Choose a locality which has good social infrastructure
An area is said to have good social infrastructure if it has schools, colleges, hospitals and other facilities required for living. A neighborhood that is self sufficient is one of the best areas to live in. You would not have to travel all over the city to find good schools or health care facilities.

3. Builder developing the property in India
Choose a property developer that is renowned and has delivered several successful projects. The numbers of amenities offered is not as important as the timely delivery and good construction are. To find out about a builder, you can log into online property sites as they would offer adequate information to you regarding a builder’s quality. Online forums and chats with experts can also offer adequate insight to you.

4. Going over the floor plan
Even though you are going to buy an affordable property, it does not mean that you should not interrogate into the quality of product being sold to you. Go over the floor plan, videos and photographs made available to you. Try to visualize what the property would look like after construction.

You should also talk to the builder regarding the bathroom fittings, style of kitchen and flooring of the apartment. Do not hesitate to offer your own insights to the builder, and if required, insist upon it so that you get the house of your dreams.

Buying a house is a dream for most of us and therefore, you should invest as much time as possible in property in India before investing.